System for ultraviolet irradiation of fluids with fail safe monitoring means

ABSTRACT

System for the purification and/or sterilizing of liquids by the application of ultraviolet (U-V) ray-emission means. The system includes a monitor for measuring the output of the ultraviolet source and at preset intervals activates various devices for rendering the system fail-safe.

United States Patent [72] Inventors DaleE.Wiltrout [50]FieldofSearch...........................................250/43,45,Wyckoff,NJ-; 83.3UV

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1965 Ellner et al. PrimaryExaminer-James W. Lawrence Assistant Examiner-Davis L. WillisAttorney-Sparrow and Sparrow Myron Dale Wood, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.[21] Appl. No. 753,285

n 0 a m 0 C 8 .m 1w 6 v. 18 m w nk. e a AFUP de m n d m 6 .5 a FPA 1]]253 247 II [54] SYSTEM FOR ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION 0F FLUIDS WITH FAILSAFE MONITORING MEANS 8 Claims, 15 Drawing Figs.

[51] Int.

PATENTEDFEB23I9YI 3,566,105

SHEET 2 [IF 4 I llll PATEN'TED m2 3 m sum 3 0F 4 FIG. /2

FIG/l SYSTEM FOR ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION OF FLUIDS WITH FAIL SAFEMONITORING MEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to asystem for the purification and sterilization of liquids, particularlydrinking water, utilizing ultraviolet ray-emission in the wave lengtharea of 2537 angstrorn units,

It is known that certain rays of predetermined wave length haveremarkable bactericidal, sterilizing, purifying, germicidal and otherchemical actinic powers. By reason of the power of destroying, reducingand inhibiting the growth and number of bacteria, yeasts, molds, algae,virus and other microorganisms or other undesirable germs, light rays ofshort wave length, preferably at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum,have been used for the sterilization and purification of liquids andfluids.

Among the possible contingencies and/or failures which might arise underany ultraviolet purification system may be mentioned (a) lamp jacketcoating and resultant loss of ultraviolet intensity, (b) lampdepreciation or failure, internal circuit failure, (d) line voltage dropor external circuit failure and (e) the unexpected existence of liquidcontaining characteristics other than that for which a system has beendesigned.

A basic ultraviolet liquid purifier receives nonpurified liquid into oneend of a chamber, usually cylindrical, the passage of this liquid beingdirected over, around and across one or more ultraviolet lamps,ultraviolet irradiation energy being imparted from the lamp or lamps tothe liquid in sufficient quantities and over sufficient duration to killbacteriological microorganisms in accordance with the rated capacity.Although a single sterilizing or purifying lamp may be used, theoperating unit or system may comprise a bank of germicidal lamps, thegermicidal or purifying effect increasing proportionally with anyincrease in the number of lamps and the latter being determined by thenature, dimensions and contour of the liquid or fluid holding container.The purified liquid is discharged from the sterilization chamber througha pipe or conduit, thus making the same available for its intended use.

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the cleficiences ofdevices and systems of the prior art and design water treatment systemsthat will fulfill and secure requirements of drinking water standardswith reference to its purification and disinfection without changing thechemical and physical characteristics of the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention consists in the novel parts,construction arrangements, combinations of parts and improvements as maybe shown and described in connection with the apparatus herein disclosedby way of examples only and as illustrative of preferred embodiments.Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in parthereafter and in part will be obvious herefrom as may be learned bypracticing the invention, the same being realized and attained by meansof the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appendedclaims.

The principal object of the present invention is to eliminatebacteriological and other deleterious microorganisms from liquids orfluids and to insure safe, continuous, constant and efficientperformance of the device by improved means.

A further object of the present invention is to provide improved systemsembodying the use of the ultraviolet process as a means of disinfectingwater to meet the bacteriological requirements of public health drinkingwater standards.

The system according to the invention incorporates monitoring of theintensity of the ultraviolet source. When the intensity of the sourcefalls below a preset level the monitor shuts off the supply of liquidand activates an alarm to denote a malfunction. The monitor may alsoactivate a device which wipes the jacket containing the ultravioletsource.

In the system according to the present invention, a continuous flow ofliquid such as, for example, drinking water, may be purified as well asliquid in a storage tank or vessel. Individual units may be ganged toincrease the efficiency and capacity of the system. The system alsoemploys novel wiping means in the wiper apparatus, and may incorporate aflow or time delay mechanism to permit a tube warmup period before waterflows from the unit.

It is therefore a further object of the present invention to design asystem to purify certain liquids within specific standards andrequirements as determined by the user, the system being monitored byultraviolet irradiation measuring means such as a meter which activatesan electronic circuit and subsequently safety devices such as, automaticwiper means, automatic warning signals (visual and/or audible) automaticflow control and automatic flow shutoff.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in combinationcontrivances or devices in a purifying and/or sterilizing system forcontinuously monitoring the operation of the system and immediatelycommunicating certain automatic alarms in the event that this systemfalters or ceases to perform in accordance with its intended purposes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a purificationsystem designed to monitor instantaneously and continuously ultravioletradiation imparted to the liquid to be purified at all times, such as inthe event that contingencies arise, they will be immediately monitoredand subsequently various safety devices will be automaticallyimplemented by direct and automatic communication from the monitoringdevice.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide suchimplements as may be necessary or required for maintainingtheirradiation values for the purification of the liquid or fluid to betreated at a safe constant level.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide in apurifying and/or sterilizing system instruments and automaticallyoperating devices for controlling the flow of the liquid or fluid to bepurified in such manner that a constantly safe, monitored and efficientresult will be obtained.

Various further and more specific purposes, features and advantages willclearly appear from the detailed description given below taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings which form part of thisspecification and schematically illustrate merely by way of examplesembodiments of the devices of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description and inthe claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience,but such names are intended to be as generic in their application tosimilar parts as the art will permit. Like reference characters denotelike or similar but not necessarily identically constructed parts in thedrawings, illustrating preferred embodiments by which the invention maybe realized.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates in isometric projection, a complete ultravioletrayemission liquid purifying unit, partly cut away;

FIG. 2 shows, section, an ultraviolet ray-emission lamp in its jacket ofquartz or high silica glass or other material with similar opticalcharacteristics;

FIG. 3 shows in isometric projection, an exploded view of a multipleultraviolet ray-emission purifying unit;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively longitudinal and end views of ultravioletliquid purifier similar to FIG. 3 with automatic wiper equipmentattached;

FIG. 6 is a view of an ultraviolet lamp assembly for a tank;

FIG. 7 shows a unit for a tank, incorporating a plurality of ultravioletray-emission lamps;

FIG. 8 is a view of an automatic wiper assembly for a unit shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 9 shows a section of one of the wiper elements of FIG. 8 in anenlarged scale;

FIG. 10 shows the wiper ring used in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view of a water purifier consisting of three multiple lampunits, shown in FIG. 3, arranged in series;

H6. 12 shows a water purifier consisting of two parallel lines of threemultiple lamp units shown in FIG. 3, arranged in serles;

FIG. 13 shows a water purifier consisting of three parallel lines ofthree multiple lamp units shown in FIG. arranged in series;

FIG. 14 shows a water purifier consisting of four parallel lines ofthree multiple lamp units shown in FIG. 5, arranged in series; and

F16. 15 shows a liquid purifier-consisting of two parallel lines of fourmultiple lamp units, shown in FIG. 5, arranged in series DESCRIPTION OFTHE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in more detail to the drawingsillustrating embodiments by which the invention may be realized, thereis disclosed in FlG. 1 one example of a complete liquid purifying unitor system, designated by the general numeral 20. It consists basicallyof a housing or container 21 comprising the ultraviolet radiationchamber, which is closed on both ends, one of which by a flange plate22. In container 21 and held in plate 22, is a jacket 23 of quartz orquartzlike material of high silica glass with similar opticalcharacteristics, in which a high intensity ultraviolet lamp 24 ispositioned. Jacket 23 is adapted to transmit ultraviolet rays emittedfrom lamp 24. Lamp 24 emits ultraviolet rays of a wave-length ofsubstantially 2537 angstrom units. Container 21 has an inlet tube 25with a flow controlvalve 25' connected thereto, and an outlet tube 26. Asolenoid valve 27 is located at the outlet tube for controlling orshutting of the flow of the liquid passing through container 21 purifiedby the ultraviolet rays. A wiper 28 is longitudinally movably positionedon quartz tube jacket 23. Wiper 28 is fastened on a rod 29; generallythere are several wipers spaced apart from one another, on rod 29 butonly one is shown on FIG. 1. Rod 29 is coupled with the piston of afluid or similar power motor, such as, for example, a hydraulic cylinder30 which has a solenoid control valve 31 for double-action movement.Mounted on container 21 is a power pack or supply 32 which contains thenecessary transformers for ultraviolet lamp 24, cable connection 33 forconnecting the purifier to AC line voltage, and power supply elementsfor air cylinder 30, for valve 31 through cable 31 and for automaticshut-off valve 27 through cable 27'. Installed in the outer wall ofultraviolet purifier container 21 through a center port communicatingwith the inside thereof, is a fail-safe monitor unit 34 positioned andconnected perpendicular to ultraviolet lamp 24, for example monitorsdisclosed in our pending US. Pat. applications Ser. Nos. 652,141 and668,432 filed respectively Jul. 10, 1967 and Sept. 18, 1967. Thefail-safe monitor34 combines substantially 2537 angstrom unitsultraviolet sensing and visual readout with automatic operation ofoutlet solenoid shutoff valve 27 and activation of visual and audioalarm means 34' and provides flow or time delay means during startupcooperating with valve 27 to permit ultraviolet lamp 24 warmup period toreach peak efficiency before the liquid flows from the unit. Monitor 34includes a sensor which senses the germicidal ultraviolet ray emissionintensity at the sight port after penetration of the fluid andaccurately measures the purification performance. It further includes anaccurately calibrated ultraviolet intensity meter, filtered to restrictsensitivity to the disinfection spectrum. With respect to theembodiments disclosed in FIGS. 11 through 15, the sensors 35 are shownconnected by cables 35' to monitors 34. The monitor unit 34 by means ofpower cable 36, is plugged into the power pack or supply 32. Theultraviolet source by means of a cable or electrical harness 32 isconnected to power supply 32. in safe service position, valve 27 isoperative (open) and alarm means 34 is inoperative; in fail position,valve 27 is inoperative (closed) and alarm 34' operative. Valve 27prevents contamination of purified service line in the event ofelectrical failure or decrease in ultraviolet emission below desiredminimum. Automatic shutoff valve 27 permits flow into the portable watersystem only when at least the minimum ultraviolet dosage is applied.Power Pack 32 contains also a timer (not visible in the drawing) whichactuates periodically air cylinder 30 for wiping tube or jacket 23.

The operation is as follows:

A liquid, for example water, from inlet 25 flows through chamber orcontainer 21 and is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the selectedwavelength which is ll held to close tolerances at substantially 2537angstrom units. These rays are highly effectively germicidal so that theliquid emanating from the unit is purified and germ-free. However, anydeposits on jacket 23 would weaken the passage of the ultraviolet raysfrom lamp 24 and eventually prevent even the passage thereof. Therefore,the jacket is periodically wiped clean by wiper 28 controlled by thefail-safe monitor 34. Monitor 34 also guards the operation by shuttingoff through shutoff valve 27 the flow of the liquid if the emission ofthe ultraviolet rays drops below a certain level for any reason, and byoperating at the same instant audible and visible alarm means indicatedgenerally by the numeral 34. Obviously, the wiping action on jacket 23does not solely rely on the monitor which acts as a safety precaution.The wiping is always performed at regular intervals set by the timer inthe power pack in order to keep the system automatically going. In FIG.1, valve 27 andalarm 34 are connected to monitor 34 by cables 27' and34" respectively, and monitor 34 is connected to power pack 32 throughcable 35.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show variations of ultraviolet liquid purifiers. Whereapplicable the same numerals as appear in FIG. 1 are applied in theremaining FIGS. of the drawing for similar but not identical parts.

In order to enlarge the capacity of the system, for example, byaccelerating the flow through container 21, a plurality of ultravioletlamps 24 may be arranged in container or housing 21, as indicated inFIG. 3, wherein two lamps 24 are shown (provision being made for fourlamps), or in FIGS. 12-15, where four lamps 24 are arranged in each oneof the containers or housings 21.

The system may be also used in storage tanks of larger capacity (tanksnot being shown in the drawings). In this case, container 21 is notneeded and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, flange plate 22 is connected byrods 37 with an end plate 38, forming substantially a cage for holdingjackets 23 containing ultraviolet lamps in place. In these embodimentshand operated wipers may be employed. Wiper rod 29 carrying severalwipers 28 is slidably or movably arranged in flange plate 22, and isarranged for hand operation. FIG. 6 shows such system with oneultraviolet ray-emission lamp within jacket 23, whereas FIG. 7 shows twosuch lamps within jackets 23.

It is obvious that the tank systems may be equipped with similarfail-safe monitors 34 with sensor elements as heretofore mentioned.

A preferred wiper mechanism is shown in more detail in FIGS. 8, 9 and10. The wiper 28 consists of two formed discs 39, 411 which are spotwelded together leaving cavities 41 in which wiper rings 42 are placed.Ring 42 preferably consists of a chemically inert plastic, which also isunaffected by ultraviolet rays, such as, for example, polyurethane.Rings 42 fit closely over envelopes or jackets 23 enclosing lamps 24 sothat they can wipe jackets 23 clean from all organic or inorganicdeposits which may settle on the surfaces thereof during the operationof the system.

FIG. 11 shows a typical liquid purifying system consisting of threeunits 20 which are arranged in series. Each one of the units has its ownpower pack or supply 32 with pilot lights 32 and wiper cylinder 30, butthe system needs only one fail-safe monitor 34. It is obvious that sucha system can operate successfully at a higher speed of flow of liquid.Therefore, containers 21 are arranged for a higher pressure of theliquid.

Further system arrangements for still larger quantities of liquids to becontinuously purified are shown in FIG. 1l215 wherein FIG. 12 shows asystem consisting of a bank or two series of three purifiers 20 each,which are arranged parallel to one another so that the capacity of thesystem shown in FIG. 11 is doubled. Another system arrangement is shownin FIG. 13 with a bank of three series of three units each put togetherin parallel relationship to one another, and FIG. 14 shows anarrangement of a bank of four parallel series of three units each, whichhas twice the capacity of the system shown in FIG. 12. Systemarrangements of this kind are used for drinking water purification forcommunities, which render better tasting water than conventionalchlorination, due to the ozonation of the water by the effect ofultraviolet rays.

For stronger purification which may be required in the case of a badlypolluted water, the arrangement shown in FIG. 15 may be used. In thiscase four units are set in series with two series arranged parallel toone another. It is understood that other multiple arrangements may bemade, for larger quantities of liquids, particularly water, withoutdeviating from the principle and from the efficiency of the system. Itis preferable that the plurality of series of purifiers 20 arranged orconnected in parallel have a common inlet header and a common outletheader.

From the foregoing it is evident that the present invention provideswater or other liquid purification and disinfection system through theuse of ultraviolet which embodies among other things, a flow of timedelay mechanism to permit a tube or lamp warmup period before waterflows from the unit; automatic flow valve, accurate within expectedpressure range, to restrict flow to the maximum design flow of thetreatment unit; accurate calibrated ultraviolet intensity meter tomeasure the energy levels to which the meter is subjected, filtered torestrict its sensitivity to the disinfection spectrum, and which isinstalled in the wall of the disinfection chamber; automatic shutoffvalve permitting flow into the potable water system only when at leastthe minimum ultraviolet dosage is applied, the valve adapted to be in aclosed (fail-safe) position when power is not being supplied to theunit, which prevents the flow of water into the potable water system;automatic, visual and/or audible alarm system installed to warn ofmalfunction; and a system in which ultraviolet radiation at a level of2537 angstrom units are applied at a required minimum microwatt-secondsper square centimeter dosage at all points throughout the distributionsystem.

While the invention has been described and illustrated with respect tocertain preferred examples which give satisfactory results, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art after understanding the inventionin principle, that various changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intendedtherefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changes andmodifications.

We claim:

1. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids, said systemcomprising a closed container having an inlet and an outlet, ultravioletray-emission means of selected wave-length and intensity in saidcontainer, an ultraviolet light transmitting jacket surrounding saidray-emission emission means, wiper means for said jacket, hydraulicmeans connected to said wiper means for reciprocating said wipermeans atpredetermined periodic time intervals, a shutoff valve located adjacentsaid outlet, fail-safe monitoring means having a sensor and mounted onthe exterior wall of said container, said sensor communicating with theinterior of said container through a port thereof, said monitoring meansfor measuring the output of said ray-emission emission means and foractivating devices for rendering said system fail-safe, power supplymeans mounted on said container adapted to supply electric energy forsaid ray-emission means, said valve, and said fail-safe monitoringmeans, said system being a compact unit through mounting of saidmonitoring means and said power supply on said container, and a timer insaid power supply means for actuating at said predetermined periodictime intervals said ower su l for reci rocatin l o erati said w' P 2. As i s i in for pii rifying go iiti r ruous l y flowinfiiq i iiiii aiccording to claim 1, said monitoring means having means for controllingthe shutting off of said valve when said output of said ray-emissionemission means drops below a preset minimum level.

3. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids according toclaim 2, said monitor having means cooperating with said valve forpermitting a warrnup period of said ultraviolet ray-emission meansbefore the liquid flows from said system.

4. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids according toclaim 3, said monitoring means also controlling the operation of saidwiper means.

5. A system of purifying continuously flowing liquids according to claim4, said wiper means comprising a wiper having a portion which slidablyengages said jacket, said portion being chemically inert and unaffectedby ultraviolet rays and a ring-shaped folding member for holding saidportion, said portion being ringshaped and held by said holding memberalong a diameter greater than the interval of said portion.

6. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids, said systemcomprising a plurality of units connected in series, each of said unitscomprising a closed container, one of said containers having an outlet,ultraviolet ray-emission means in said container, an ultraviolet lighttransmitting jacket surrounding said ray emission means, wiper means forsaid jacket, hydraulic means connected to said w per means forreciprocating said wiper means at predetermined periodic time intervals,a shutoff valve located adjacent said outlet, power supply means mountedon each said containers adapted to supply electric energy for saidray-emission means, and said valve, and fail-safe monitoring meanshaving sensor means for said units, said monitoring means for measuringthe output of said ray-emission means and for activating devices forrendering said system fail-safe, and a timer in said power supply meansfor actuating at said predetermined periodic time intervals said powersupply for reciprocatingly operating said wiper means.

7. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids according toclaim 6, said system having a plurality of said series of said unitsconnected in parallel.

8. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids according toclaim 7, wherein said parallely connected series are connected to acommon inlet means and a common outlet means.

1. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids, said systemcomprising a closed container having an inlet and an outlet, ultravioletray-emission means of selected wave-length and intensity in saidcontainer, an ultraviolet light transmitting jacket surrounding saidray-emission emission means, wiper means for said jacket, hydraulicmeans connected to said wiper means for reciprocating said wiper meansat predetermined periodic time intervals, a shutoff valve locatedadjacent said outlet, fail-safe monitoring means having a sensor andmounted on the exterior wall of said container, said sensorcommunicating with the interior of said container through a portthereof, said monitoring means for measuring the output of saidray-emission emission means and for activating devices for renderingsaid system fail-safe, power supply means mounted on said containeradapted to supply electric energy for said ray-emission means, saidvalve, and said fail-safe monitoring means, said system being a compactunit through mounting of said monitoring means and said power supply onsaid container, and a timer in said power supply means for actuating atsaid predetermined periodic time intervals said power supply forreciprocatingly operating said wiper means.
 2. A system for purifyingcontinuously flowing liquids according to claim 1, said monitoring meanshaving means for controlling the shutting off of said valve when saidoutput of said ray-emission emission means drops below a preset minimumlevel.
 3. A system for purifying continuously flowing liquids accordingto claim 2, said monitor having means cooperating with said valve forpermitting a warmup period of said ultraviolet ray-emission means beforethe liquid flows from said system.
 4. A system for purifyingcontinuously flowing liquids according to claim 3, said monitoring meansalso controlling the operation of said wiper means.
 5. A system ofpurifying continuously flowing liquids according to claim 4, said wipermeans comprising a wiper having a portion which slidably engages saidjacket, said portion being chemically inert and unaffected byultraviolet rays and a ring-shaped folding member for holding saidportion, said portion being ring-shaped and held by said holding memberalong a diameter greater than the interval of said portion.
 6. A systemfor purifying continuously flowing liquids, said system comprising aplurality of units connected in series, each of said units comprising aclosed container, one of said containers having an outlet, ultravioletray-emission means in said container, an ultraviolet light transmittingjacket surrounding said ray-emission means, wiper means for said jacket,hydraulic means connected to said wiper means for reciprocating saidwiper means at predetermined periodic time intervals, a shutoff valvelocated adjacent said outlet, power supply means mounted on each saidcontainers adapted to supply electric energy for said ray-emissionmeans, and said valve, and fail-safe monitoring means having sensormeans for said units, said monitoring means for measuring the output ofsaid ray-emission means and for activating devices for rendering saidsystem fail-safe, and a timer in said power supply means for actuatingat said predetermined periodic time intervals said power supply forreciprocatingly operating said wiper means.
 7. A system for purifyingcontinuously flowing liquids according to claim 6, said system having aplurality of said series of said units connected in parallel.
 8. Asystem for purifying continuously flowing liquids according to claim 7,wherein said parallely connected series are connected to a common inletmeans and a common outlet means.